Serving Resolutely

We now come to the time of year where many of us are looking toward the future. Many of us are making plans and making goals we wish to succeed in the year to come. While the practice of New Year’s resolutions are not necessarily a bad thing, often times they become more “me-centric”. If you were to look up what the common New Year’s resolutions are, you would find that they are often to eat healthier, quit bad habits, a more balanced work/life ratio, and to learn something new. Again, none of these are bad in and of themselves. However, our goals for the year to come should not stop with ourselves.

“45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

We have here a calling for Christians who wish to be more Christlike. Jesus came to earth as a mere baby, something that is so dependent upon the service of others. Then as He grew older, Jesus did not complete His ministry to serve Himself. He did it to serve God the Father and in His ministry He served mankind. Think of the feeding of the 5,000, the numerous cases of Jesus healing others, washing the disciples feet, teaching others about the kingdom of God. All of these acts of service took place before the ultimate act of service with dying on the cross for us, His servent heart is why we can be reconciled to God.

Mark 10:45 is not the only place this mentality to serve others can be seen.

“13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”

Galatians 5:13

“10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.”

1 Peter 4:10-11

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:3-5

We are called to be like Christ, and in doing so that means that we are called to serve others. So this year, I hope that you take the time to consider how you might be able to serve others. That could mean leading a Bible study, helping in your church, running a food drive, paying for groceries for a family that is struggling, or simply allowing God to lead you to where He needs you to serve. May 2024 be the year that we serve others more than we serve ourselves.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex